Microscope on frivolous damage to government motor vehicles

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicholasa Reed
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  A watchful eye has recently turned toward cases of abuse and accidental damage to government motor vehicles by inattentive drivers.

According to Tech. Sgt. Ediberto Leal, 48th Logistic Readiness Squadron, NCOIC of Vehicle Management and Analysis, RAF Lakenheath has accrued a bill of just more than $10,000 in GMV accidents alone.

"Most of the damages we see are from operator inattention to their surroundings, stuff that in your own car you would pay more attention to," said Sergeant Leal.

Common causes of damage stem from not using required safety measures like using a spotter when backing up, not familiarizing oneself with the vehicle and inattention while driving.

The wing is currently on track to repeat last year's record of GMV accidents at 28. Last year's reported mishaps capped out at 56.

"In past years the wing was successful in decreasing its trend. In fiscal year '03 we were at 103, by '05 we were down to 26, but in '06 that number went back up to 42," said Master Sgt. James Middleton, 48th Fighter Wing Ground Safety Manager.

Sergeants Middleton's and Leal's message to government drivers sound the same; take the extra time to survey the surrounding areas, focus on the road and navigating it instead of fidgeting with the radio or other devices in the vehicle and if all else fails read, then reread the manual.

"Many people don't realize there is a publication out there that spells it all out, Air Force Joint Manual 24-306 goes over basic responsibilities, good driving practices, what to do in an emergency, safety measures and much more," said Sergeant Middleton.

In addition to the manual, all Liberty government drivers are required to complete the USAFE driving course, complete a through instruction process by their unit vehicle control officer and have an Air Force form 171 completed before obtaining a basic government drivers license.

"An accident is an accident," added Leal. "You can be the best driver in the world and still have an accident, but taking the time to avoid frivolous damages is pivotal."